You are here: Home --> Forum Home --> Recent posts by Cap'n Lou
Topic: Star Wars: Patterns of Deception
Subject: This, that and the other...
Whatever kind of explosive it was, it was small, efficient, and packed a ton of firepower...Kavtan can't find any remnants of a bomb or even a transmitter. And the fact that no transmitter was found on the person of either of the Arcona (though, admittedly, one was not inspected thoroughly) is leaving our heroes with little to go on...
Additionally, there is no much really left of the Jedi Master; as Kavtan picks through the wreckage, he finds occasioanlly what might seem to be a small piece of flesh, or a charred article of clothing, but considering that there were civilians also standing near the blast who were killed, it doesn't seem possible to determine what...pieces that Kavtan finds are part of Master Zen Allum and what parts aren't. And even if he could, since Master Allum was standing right in the epicenter of the blast, it doesn't seem likely that he'll find much. However, as the Jedi ritual is to burn their dead, perhaps this is the best burial one could hope for for Master Allum...
(Kavtan doesn't find the remains of a bomb that he can recognize. The explosion was small, but powerful and obliterated most everything that was enveloped in it, at least to the point of being beyond recognition. There's not much but charred, blackened, twisted metal here, and nothing really to go on...)
Meanwhile, inside the cantina...
“I am afraid that will not do, Captain.” Si-Di replies with a slight shake of her head, “as I said, I captured this prisoner and until I deem my questioning of him complete I will not release him into your custody. After what I heard from Kavtan here, I don’t trust anyone involved in this dispute and that includes Mining Guild Security.”
Susska snarls as the Jedi speaks, her face contorting into a monstrous expression that only a Trandoshan could muster, but she remains silent, containing herself, as Si-Di continues.
“Now,” she continues firmly drawing herself up to her full height of just under 2 meters, “you can insist all you want but think about this for a moment. With the death of my Master, I am now the lawful representative sent here by the Republic and the Jedi Order to mediate negotiations between the Mining and the Union Guilds. I doubt that the Republic Council will look kindly upon your impedance of my investigation into the death of a Jedi Master. If you insist upon taking the prisoner from me, I will have to report your lack of cooperation to my superiors and the circumstances leading to Master Allum’s death. I am sure that there will be no further mediation by any representative of the Republic”
Si-Di looked the Trandoshan Female officer squarely in the eyes showing her full resolve and determination.
“If your petty squabbles are not resolved soon,” the Jedi continued, “there will be further fighting amongst the two guilds and eventually it will spread to all corners of Dathu. Mining operations will cease and only war and bloodshed will reign. Many will die needless deaths. But no help will come from the Republic all because you could not cooperate and allow me to question this Arcona before you take him into custody.”
“So?” Si-Di concluded, “do I have ‘permission’ to continue questioning my prisoner or should I get on the next transport back to Coruscant to make my report?”
Susska chuckles. "You drive a hard bargain Jedi..." she says. "But I don't think you understand me. It doesn't matter who the Republic trustsss or whether or not you think I'm qualified to interrogate the prisoner. I'm under ordersss to handle sssecurity here; it's not up to me whether or not I release this man into your custody. If I did so, I could be disssciplined by my Guild. So I'm afraid I cannot give the prisoner to you."
"Now," she continues, "As I said, you will have full accessss to the prisoner, after we book him in. I cannot do any better than that. As to whether or not you continue your negotiationsss...well, personally, I agree with you. The negotiations should go on, and I tire of bloodshed. But my hands are tied. You must understand this. Please do not fight usss."
Two more Guild members, both armed with blaster rifles enter the cantina, and Susska signals to them. They begin to advance on Si-Di and the captured Arcona, who has remained silent. Susska gestures towards the Arcona, the two Guild members move to take the prisoner from Si-Di.
(You succeeded in convincing Susska that your claims were genuine; unfortunately, while she believes you would get on a transport out of Dathu and leave and does find this outcome to be unfortunate, the bureaucracy for which she works does not allow her to make such decisions.)
Meanwhile, 'Rok' begins edging towards the doorway, when he stopped by one of the Guild members with a blaster rifle.
"Whatdya think yer doin'?" he says, pointing the blaster rifle straight at 'Rok'. "Where do you have to be in such a hurry?"
Outside the cantina...
As Ninkanna nears the door of the cantina, walking onto the landing pad, she has still heard no word from Master Arkana...there doesn't even seem to be much of a signal on the other side of the comlink. As she approaches, she can see much of the scene going on inside of the cantina through the window...
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 18:15:40.
|
Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
Subject: A Shadow Over Drasnia Q&A
A Shadow Over Drasnia...
Cast of Characters...
Nyx Shyndyn (20/20) - Eol Fefalas
Cayrisma (17/17) - Merideth
Mallys DeMoria (17/17) - Throwing Spiders
Sylla "Spite" DeMoria (19/19) - Glory of Gallifrey
Character Sheets...
(will post up later...)
Who’s Who at Port Drasnia
Lord Horatius Granwythe
Position: Lord of all Drasnia
Duties and Obligations: Head of Executive branch of government in Drasnia; in charge of keeping his subordinates in line, maintaining order and turning a profit. Additionally, he presides over all trials (usually he delegates this responsibility, however).
Horatius Granwythe is the ruler of Drasnia; all government officials at Drasnia report directly to Granwythe, and he reports directly to the Emperor. Lords in the Braudian Empire are charged with maintaining order at their respective provinces, and turning a good profit for the Empire. Failure to do so means the blood of the incompetent lord, which usually motivates these feudal lords to be as ruthless as possible. Granwythe has bred an abject cesspool out of Drasnia, and he routinely turns an enormous profit for the Empire, so he has become relatively comfortable in his position. He is known to be a money-grubbing, power-hungry hedonist with absolutely no respect for life; he pursues any course of action to make him the most money and accrue him the most power, but he is not particularly sadistic. He is extremely racist towards non-humans, however.
Lucian Talar
Position: Governor of Drasnia
Duties and Obligations: Administrative Head of Drasnia. In charge of tax-collection and legislating (though all legislative activities, whether it be authoring a law, revising a law, or taking a law off the books, must be approved by the Lord).
Lucian Talar, as the Governor of Drasnia, is in charge of managing the city. His office handles the most complicated and tedious work in the city. Talar is not of the noble class, a fact that he is constantly reminded of by his colleagues, and something he is extremely resentful about. He is a bitter man, and known to take out his sublimated anger on the people, often in the form of excessive taxes and restrictive laws. He is always sure to keep the vices legal, however, as they account for enormous economic stimulation.
Commander Erik Tocsani
Position: Captain of the Imperial Guard
Duties and Obligations: Chief of Law Enforcement of Drasnia; in the event of an attack on the city by outside forces, he would be in charge of defense.
Erik Tocsani is known to be a fireball of a man. He is excessively cruel, extraordinarily racist towards non-human humanoids such as elves and dwarves, and as feared by his own underlings as he is feared by the civilian populace. He does not believe in ideas such as ‘the rights of the accused’, and often engages in practices such as torture in the course of interrogations. He is brutally sadistic and is said to have no sense of decency or shame whatsoever.
Aleksander Arnbold
Position: Archbishop of Drasnia
Duties and Obligations: Head of the local church of the god Naxir, deity of wealth. All other churches must pay a fine to the Archbishop, regardless of which deity they worship, in order to worship in Drasnia.
Arnbold, as head of the church of Naxir, god of wealth, is an extremely wealthy man. However, it is said that he actually believes the dogma of the church. There are many in the empire, both in the priesthood and in political office who profess belief or reverence for Naxir as an excuse for affluence. Arnbold is said to be a true believer, however. As such, he believes the poor to be a lesser sort of people – inferior, and at fault for their plight.
Ernst Sendale
Position: Magistrate of the Imperial Trade Bureau
Duties and Obligations: Oversees incoming vessels; his office is the port authority and in charge of monitoring the imports and exports of Drasnia.
Sendale is a simple, affluent, politician. He isn’t known to be all that bright, but he comes from a good family and is obscenely rich. His father is said to have pulled strings to have him appointed in his position in Drasnia in order to teach him a lesson about responsibility, but the only thing that Sendale seems to be learning is how to lead a decadent, reckless lifestyle. While he is as disgusting as the rest of the politicians in Drasnia, he is the most benign of them.
Criminal Organizations in Drasnia (besides the Hellkites):
Nightcloaks Guild – the local thieves guild of Drasnia, known to use a special cant to communicate. They recruit urchins, orphans, common thieves and master larcenists alike. They are a rag-tag band of filthy peasants, in the opinion of the local rulership and in the opinion of the Hellkites. While the local law enforcement have some respect for the Hellkites, the Nightcloaks are seen as leeches on society who do nothing but damage the profits of the empire and associate with lower-castes and half-breeds. Meanwhile, the Hellkite leadership hates them because they interfere with business and “make us all look bad”. Hellkites are encouraged to kill Nightcloaks
whenever they interfere.
Sea Snakes Gang - A group of old mariners, salty sea dogs, and the standard rough and tumble types that hang around the docks; that is the make-up of the Sea Snakes. They are fiercely territorial, but mostly run protection rackets and engage in illegal trading...nothing that intereferes with Hellkite business too much. As such, the Hellkites and the Sea Snakes have a sort of 'understanding'. Neither crosses the others' territory and both gangs try not to interfere with the others' operations. This doesn't mean that there is no animosity between them - there have been skirmishes between them in the past and chances are that there will be further altercations in the future.
---
that's all for now - any questions about the city, the Empire, the world, the campaign setting in general or any rules/procedural questions should go here from now on. Good luck, have fun and be EVIL!
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 17:57:20.
Edited on 2008-06-11 at 17:49:43 by Cap'n Lou
|
Topic: A Shadow Over Drasnia
Subject: A Shadow Over Drasnia
The maelstrom churns.
Waves crash upon the rocks at Drasnia, the Jewel of the North in the Empire’s crown. The sprawling metropolis is a defiant stronghold of civilization in the untamed north – if one wishes to travel through the Northern Colonies, visit the Imperial-controlled Elvin states to trade in slaves, or sail north, towards Kalvur, one must go through Drasnia, the last port and ‘civilized’ settlement in the region. But that night, a storm was brewing. Tyrrian, the god of the sea, was angry that night, it seemed. The tide was unpredictable and all the ships were staying in. On the docks, a few ancient sailors stared into the churning brine, spitting into the waters and puffing on their pipes. In the city, civilians hurried to get indoors as the rains began to fall.
On the outskirts of town, the livestock of the many peasants neighed and whined with every thunderbolt that sounded in the distance. As the wind howled through the streets of the old, populous city, a deep sense of foreboding filled the more perceptive citizens. For it is said that those who are attuned to the art of magic, or those with keen wits about them can sense when dark times are ahead. And though the Empire was never a bastion of light, at least it kept order. But it was growing old; its people were restless, greedy, and divided. Something…some change was bound to develop sooner or later…
A Shadow Over Drasnia
The room was cold and dark, darker and colder still than the city outside: soaked in ice-cold brine and rain, and chilled to the bone by the cutting winds. But this room felt like a tomb; the walls were plain, stone bricks, and the only light emanated from the two, white candles on the altar in its center. It was so deep in the earth that those inside could not even hear the wind and rain. Occasionally, the thunder was loud enough for its rumbles to carry all the way down into that dark catacomb. But for the most part, their peace was undisturbed.
Two figures in gray robes stood on either side of the altar, and a figure in red robes behind it. Three figures in black robes approached the altar, and the one in the center removed his hood, revealing his face. He was a man of medium height and build, with dirty-blonde hair and what one in Drasnia might call a ‘pink’ face. In other words, he was not of pure Braudian blood – Braudians had copper-toned skin and black hair, for the most part. But this man, despite his dark eyes, had the features of a man with mixed blood. He could have been nothing other than a lower-caste.
He bowed to the man in red robes, then stretched his arms outward. In a deep, confident voice, he spoke the words,
“I come here on this night,” he began, “To swear my oath of loyalty to you. I will follow your every order. I will obey your every command. I will not defy you. I will go to my death, if need be, to fulfill this oath.”
“Swear it,” the crimson-robed figure replied, with a wave of his hand. The voice was ancient, raspy and somehow…dangerous; though the man seem unconcerned, as if the life, the oath or anything about the man before him meant little.
The man in dark robes nodded, withdrawing a dagger from within his cloak. He raised it up, holding it high in the air, then raised his left hand as well, the palm facing outward. Slowly, deliberately, he sliced through the skin on his left palm with the knife, the blood oozing out of him as he pressed the sharpened steel against his flesh. Droplets of blood began dripping, hitting the floor audibly. A smile was forming on the concealed face of the man in red robes.
“You have sworn an oath to our cause,” the man in crimson responded. “Your rewards for this oath will be rich, both in this world and the next.”
The lower-caste fell to his knees before the man in red, uttering a single phrase, “Thank you, my master.”
The two other black-robed men flanking him, picked the kneeling man up, raising him to his feet. The man in crimson gestured with his hands and they escorted him out, through a door on the other side of the room. The sound of the door opening and then slamming again echoed throughout the room, and more thunder could be heard from above. The man in crimson smirked, glancing at the two men in gray, and all three removed their hoods.
“Another member,” said one. “Our plans proceed with haste.”
“I’m troubled about this new development, however,” said another. “If your spies are correct…”
“My spies are always correct,” the man in crimson said definitively.
“…then,” the gray-robed man continued, “We had best take care of that situation before it spirals out of control.”
“We are in a position to gain a great deal of power and wealth here,” said the first man who spoke. “I am determined not to let anything get in the way.”
“Agreed,” spoke the man in crimson. “Now, let’s get out of these dreary robes. It may be storming, but I’m not going to let that get in the way of my dinner party.”
“In an hour then?” the man in gray asked.
“Yes, yes,” the man in crimson said, removing the robes to reveal the garb of a very rich noblemen; the other men did the same. “I expect to see the both of you there.”
The two subordinates nodded, heading for the exit.
Their leader snuffed the candles out.
Two days later…
It has been raining for nearly two days, and now it had finally stopped. The sky was dull white, the way it looks when there’s nothing but clouds in the sky. It was still damp almost everywhere outside, and beyond the walls of the city there was so much mud that travel was virtually impossible. Still, life went on in the city. Merchants pandered their wares, their spices, their weapons, their slaves. Imperial soldiers marched through the city, maintaining their harsh brand of order. And four members of the Hellkite Syndicate had been called to their headquarters for a new assignment.
The four filed into the seedy tavern, the Hydra’s Breath. Outside of the tavern, leaning against the walls, were the usual patrons – adventurers stopping for a quick draught of ale, as well as the mariners, merchants and whores who were the regulars at the Hydra’s Breath.
As soon as the four opened the door to enter the tavern, smoke billowed out, wafting into their faces. Despite the storm, and the fact that it was a weekday afternoon, the tavern was full of patrons, puffing away at their pipes, singing drinking songs, fighting, slogging down ale and, of course, climbing the stairs to one of the rooms with the female ‘escorts’. At the bar, the bartender Gularin Ruun shouts a greeting to the incoming Hellkites.
“Hey!” he shouts, whilst sliding a round of pints down the bar to a group of aggressive looking warrior-types. “Welcome to the Hydra’s Breath. You-know-who needs to see the four o’ yah…now!”
The ancient bartender was well-liked among the patrons and Hellkites alike. While the Hydra’s Breath was, in a way, a front for the local chapter of the Hellkite Syndicate, Ruun managed to turn a tidy profit. The four made their way down the stairs, into the cellar, passing by a particularly rowdy group of dwarves at one table, and half-elf getting his head beaten in by some off-duty Imperial soldier near another table. All normal sights at the Hydra’s Breath.
The four descended into the cellar, and making their way past the wines and cheeses, they reached the tapestry at the end of the small room. They pulled back the tapestry to reveal an unassuming wooden door. After knocking, there was a brief silence, followed by:
“Password!”
“Orange tree,” one of them said. After another brief silence, the door swung open.
Inside the room sat a few known Hellkites (most of them thieves and assassins). The room felt like a lounge of sorts, as most were simply puffing on their pipes or flirting with the slave girls that had been procured for the Syndicate, all the while reclining on the Elvin-woven cushions that were all about the room. And at the other end of the room, against the wall, was the desk of the Syndicate Captain of this chapter. He turned around as the four approached him, revealing a middle-aged man with raven-black hair, five-o-clock shadow, and numerous scars about his face.
His name was Vadim Dmitrova, and it was a name well-known about the city. He had a constant look of irritation and stress on his face, the sign of a busy man. As the four approached him, he nodded.
“I see the lot of you finally made it,” he spat. “Took yer sweet time, eh?” He didn’t wait for them to answer. “Nevermind, doesn’t matter now.”
He turned back around facing his desk, stacking some papers as he spoke.
“Alright, you’ve all worked for me in the past, at one time or another, mostly freelance. You all have your own reasons for working with the Hellkite Syndicate, I’m sure,” he turns back around to face the group, his arms folded. “Now, as my messengers undoubtedly told you when they called you here, I’d like to invite you all to become permanent members of the Hellkite Syndicate. I don’t think that the four of you have worked together before, but you’ll all be working together for this next assignment. And if all goes well, yer all going to be rich, important members of the Syndicate.
“Now, at one time or another, you’ve all displayed an aptitude for the kind of work that we’ll be doing. I think with your particular talents, you should do fine. The mission we’ve been paid for is a simple assassination and retrieval. In other words, kill the mark, return the head and all the goods on him.
“An untitled nobleman has come to the city today from Port Corycia to the south. His name is Gracchus Thanald, and apparently he is a man of some import. He has come, apparently, to survey the ports and conduct an annual investigation of trade practices. Guess the Emperor wants to know that he’s getting all his rightful coin from his taxes. No matter – someone wants this Gracchus Thanald character dead. Now, of course, I can’t reveal any information about a contract, even to my own Syndicate members, so I can’t tell you who wants him dead and why. It doesn’t really matter, in my book anyhow. But they want Gracchus dead and his head returned, as well as all his possessions. And it’s especially important that you retrieve a letter that he is carrying on him. Our benefactor was very clear on that – it’s a letter bearing seal of the Emperor, and it should have no ink on it, no writing at all. Sounds damn peculiar to me, but I don’t give a damn what a man wants me to kill or bring to him, so long as he pays me, right?
“Now then, I’m furnishing you all with 50 gold pieces,” he begins tossing satchels full of gold pieces to each of the four members of the team, “for expenses. Use it however you see fit. Should you succeed, you will be given a significant cut of the profits, and be made full-time Hellkites.”
Dmitrova has finished, and he walks lazily over to the other end of his desk, uncorking a bottle of wine and pouring himself a glass. He raises it to the light, smells it, then drains half the glass in one gulp. He doesn’t bother to offer any to any of the would-be assassins before him.
“Well,” he says, smirking. “That’s it then. Thanald is staying at the Grinning Goblin Inn on the north side of the bay, which is in Sea Snake territory. Obviously, the Sea Snakes are no threat to us, but it’d be best if you didn’t let ‘em know you were there, savvy? Be quick and silent as death and you’ll have no trouble. I expect nothing less from Hellkites.”
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 17:46:39.
Edited on 2008-06-04 at 17:47:18 by Cap'n Lou
|
Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: house of leaves
Everyone should read House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. It is a story within a story within a story that is highly metaphorical and rooted in the tradition of Jorge Luis Borges and/or Franz Kafka. The author does very weird things with the formatting (for example, the text might start going in a circle, have certain words highlighted in certain colors, or have footnotes pages long) but the book is such a page turner that you aren't even hindered by them. And ultimately the book is more interesting for these strange feats of formatting.
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 15:44:30.
|
Topic: Staff Go 10/10!!!
Subject: Heh,
Grugg, you've been smitten.
My fellow RDIers! Give me a bunch of positive karma for this post and help me overtake the staff in the race for most applause! Every vote counts!
Posted on 2008-06-04 at 05:17:32.
|
Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: I'm sorry.
I should have posted by now, I know.
things have been hectic IRL - I know this is a bad excuse and that, really, things are always hectic. But I haven't had time to really put my mind to a post. However, the next few weeks are going to see me with a lot more free time.
This doesn't mean I won't post in the meantime - it means that the once a week or so rule is in effect; I will try to get a post in today or tomorrow. I will simply have much more time to post in the future.
(The same goes for those who are waiting for the evil campaign to start...)
Posted on 2008-06-03 at 17:12:09.
|
Topic: What's in an Adventure
Subject: The Sands of Woji Myma
The PCs are just passing through a region with few settlements, when they happen upon a gypsy camp. A gypsy diviner, the mysterious Woji Myma, invites the PCs to have their fortunes told. But while inside the gypsy's tent, one of the horses outside is spooked by something and it crashes right into the tent itself, knocking a collection of magical herbs, spices and potions on the shelves all over the place, including a vial of mysterious, shimmering sand...
...That covers the PCs!
Suddenly, the PCs find that their bodies have been switched around...the Elvin Sorceress is in the Half-Orc Barbarian's body, etc. While their intelligence and wisdom scores will go wherever the PC's mind goes, their physical attributes are those of their body. And wouldn't you know it, the cure to this condition was ruined when the horse crashed into the shelves...
But the PCs can cure themselves of this ailment, if they collect the ingredients...which just so happen to be positioned all over the continent in hazardous places - this is left as an exercise to the GM.
Coming up next...
"A Knight to Remember"
Posted on 2008-06-01 at 21:12:40.
|
Topic: The Embodiment
Subject: Character idea
I'm thinking up an idea of a 'bard'-type from Drannon.
Posted on 2008-06-01 at 19:23:57.
|
Topic: The Embodiment
Subject: If there's room
I want in oh my god I want in.
This sounds amazing, Bromerm, especially the module. And I very much enjoy the Audalis setting. If needed, I can PM you a character background ASAP.
I can only point to my involvement in other games on the site; i.e. Patterns of Deception and my brief involvement so far in Persephone...
Posted on 2008-06-01 at 18:01:20.
Edited on 2008-06-01 at 18:03:10 by Cap'n Lou
|
Topic: What's in an Adventure
Subject: Yesterday, When I Was Young...
The PCs pass through a small village; they stop at the tavern, stay at the inn, visit the smithy, etc. Strangely, there are no young adults or children... the only inhabitants of the town are old and senile! Because of their senility, most of the elderly in the town can't give an explanation for this that makes any sense. Communicating with them seems to be almost impossible; the PC's get only babbling and forgetfulness.
After a day or so, or after the characters leave the town, they soon find themselves aging rapidly, quickly becoming senile themselves, incurring all sorts of penalties to their stats, etc. Is it something in the water? Is it a spell or some kind of curse? As the characters undoubtedly return to the village to determine the cause of their mysterious ailment, a cruel DM might throw in a raid by a party of orcs on the village, and force the PCs to fight while in their newly wrinkled and feeble bodies! 
Coming up next...
"There's No Business like Snow Business!"
Posted on 2008-05-31 at 06:50:43.
|
Topic: Your Inner D&D Character
Subject: strange
Chaotic Evil Half-Orc Fighter 
I have no idea how they got that from those questions, and I'm not sure if that's exactly correct...
Posted on 2008-05-28 at 19:53:39.
Edited on 2008-05-28 at 19:54:40 by Cap'n Lou
|
Topic: 1000's member
Subject: Yeah!
Awesome. Hopefully our 1000th member will understand what an honor they'll have.
And in other news, RDI has jumped to position 6 on the Top 50 - keep those votes coming, people!
Posted on 2008-05-28 at 18:47:57.
|
Topic: Star Wars: Patterns of Deception
Subject: Susska
Susska shoots a passing glance at 'Rok' as he edges towards the door. Obviously the human's actions are not of her concern, and she merely nods in his general direction before returning her gaze to the captured Arcona and Jedi, as well as the arriving Duros mechanic, Kavtan Cleentor.
"If you would please have someone examine the wreckage of the ship for evidence and also if they find any remains of a Jedi Master among the dead, please secure it and notify me at once…. Thank you!"
Susska nods her head slightly and raises her comlink to speak into it.
"Have sssomeone comb the wreckage for any...remainsss," she says. "We want to respect the wishess of the Republic."
"Si-Di, I'll have a look at the wreckage, I didn't have time before but I doubt there will be much remaining of the bomb, the best chance will be some sort of transmitter."
Susska then speaks into her comlink once more, "And asssist the Duros employee of Klebb in any way you can. Susska out."
Kavtan continued with his thought.
"...but if there was one it was probably held by the arcona that fled, Tamir Slade and his cronies killed him and carted him off through. You know, The Union, it would be best if they could of let me search him but they didn't extend that hospitality to myself and the other Jedi."
Susska hisses, her face contorting into a look of anger. "Sssslade. He is sssslime," she nearly spits. "The Union has no businesss enforcing security anywhere near here. This is Guild territory."
Susska sighs, then composes herself once more. "I apologize," she says. "you mussst understand that not a week ago my forces were locked in mortal combat with those of Ssslade."
Meanwhile, the two Guild lackies are scouting around the bar, their blaster rifles still at the ready. They appear to be looking for anything and anyone suspicious (beyond the tied-up Arcona, of course). Outside, Guild forces have begun combing over the wreckage of the ship, separating the debris into various piles. A few Guild members have come inside and are interviewing Klebb. It seems as though all the patrons who might have been at the bar just to have a drink have left.
Susska then addresses Si-Di.
"Listen, Jedi," she says. "I appreciate your position. However, it is not in your authority to take custody of a prisoner. We are not under Republic jurisdiction, and Administrator Namor has nothing to do with security. That is the job of the respective mining organizations on their territory. Now I must insist that I take custody of this man, as he is suspected of committing a crime on Guild territory. I assure you, you will have access to him whenever you like, but he must be kept in a Guild holding cell."
Susska scratches her head, looking about the cantina - it's in disarray with all the commotion. She then looks to the Arcona, who is completely silent.
"And besides, my Jedi friend," Susska continues, "I doubt very much that thiss one has anything to say."
Posted on 2008-05-28 at 18:39:14.
|
Topic: Copywrite Police?
Subject: Right to privacy
Alacrity - I can't disagree with you more.
The cornerstone of liberty is a right to privacy and due process. Without this right, concepts of justice and fairness dissolve. When the state has the right to investigate you and search your private property - and yes, searching electronic property is still a search - without cause, warrant or court order, it means that every citizen is under suspicion. It means that the government is treating every one of us as a potential criminal rather than the people whom it is here to serve. It means that there is no due process, because we're guilty until proven innocent.
That's what you get when you have a government that has a right to search you, investigate you, etc. without any kind of reason or precedent. A populace that is guilty until proven innocent.
I, personally, do not want to live in a society where I am a potential criminal instead of a citizen, where a Napoleonic Code has decreed me to be guilty - i.e. it has the right to search and investigate me without evidence or reason - until proven innocent.
That's fascism, not democracy.
This issue has nothing to do with stealing - it has to do with unwarranted searches and seizures and infringement of our civil rights.
And by the way, I don't steal music online.
Posted on 2008-05-27 at 17:42:13.
Edited on 2008-05-27 at 17:44:32 by Cap'n Lou
|
Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: The situation...
Okay, everyone, I know things have stagnated a bit. Buy fear not, I have a plan...
I assume Grugg is sorting out some stuff IRL, so I'd prefer to give him the time to focus on that. Don't worry - I have a plot outline for this campaign, and we can pick back up as soon as Grugg gets back, which I'm supposing, wilkl be any day now.
I don't want to talk about the option of moving on without him for, at least not for a bit - if this goes on for another week or so, then we might need to discuss further. I'm open to suggestions, of course.
In other words, I suggest we take the time to work on other campaigns for a few days, then pick up where we left off.
then things will start to get interesting...
Posted on 2008-05-23 at 18:15:44.
|
Topic: Iron Maiden
Subject: Iron Maiden
So...
I just got back from San Antonio after seeing Iron Maiden...
and it was AMAZING. We had tickets for the lawn, but someone working at the venue was spotted by one of the people I was with - giving away tickets to the seated section! Apparently they failed to book the whole thing, so you could trade up your lawn ticket for a seated ticket for free.
They played for like 2 and a half hours and it rocked like nobody's business.
Posted on 2008-05-22 at 07:27:09.
|
Topic: Star Trek: Operation Persephone
Subject: Introductions...
Stardate: 2374.09.02
USS Charon, Captain's Ready Room - 0950 hours
Kato yawned.
He was not what one would call a 'morning person', no matter which solar system he was in. However, this would be his first meeting as Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Charon, and he was determined to make a good impression on the Captain. This was a brand new assignment; he knew so little about this mission, and having seen so little action in the Dominion War so far, he was surprised to be assigned to such a war ship. However, these were trying times, and however green he might have been in Starfleet, he was noted for his efficiency and extensive skills as an officer.
As he walked, he sometimes drew strange looks from the crew, to whom he was a new face. His orange sash and insignia patch were certainly not part of standard Starfleet dress, and his native planet was not well-traveled. However, as part of the officer exchange program, these additions were not only allowed, but encouraged, in order to foster understanding between members of Starfleet and non-member species and governments. But his warm demeanor won over most anyone very quickly - he had been told he looked like a young St. Nick by one of his colleagues on his last assignment, only to puzzlingly ask who "St. Nick" was...
The man of about six feet buzzed the door comm, waiting for a response. Then, first glancing to make sure no one was looking, he pinched the tips of his mustache, curling up the ends. He then adjusted his sash and cleared his throat. Shortly thereafter, once permission was granted, he would enter and salute.
"Good morning, sir," he addressed Captain Gavison.
"I thought I'd arrive just a few minutes early, sir," he began. "Lt. Commander Kato 3, son of Marik 6, House of Voth, Chief Science Officer assigned to the USS Charon as part of the officer exchange program, reporting for duty sir. I think Starfleet Command rushed my application through for a second year of service in Starfleet; with the war, as many officers are needed as possible. As such, I apologize for not arriving sooner, but I only received word of approval a few weeks ago and the shuttle from Eminiar 7 only just arrived at Deep Space 9. We got here as soon as we could."
After listening to the Captain's response, Kato bowed his head slightly in response, then took a seat, waiting for the others.
As the Lyran walked in, Kato barely veiled his surprise. He had spent a year in Starfleet as part of the exchange program, but he still wasn't used to the diversity of it. Of course, that was also what he liked about Starfleet.
After the Lyran took his seat, Kato nodded towards his fellow Lt. Cmdr.
"I'm Lt. Cmdr Kato 3," he stated. "Nice to meet you."
After the Lyran's response, he explained his assignment there.
"I was assigned here as part of the officer exchange program with Eminiar 7. Most of my experience is with the Eminian Spacefleet, but I'm quickly adapting to Starfleet."
Judging the Lyran's reaction, he assumed that the Lt. Cmdr known as Talon might be wondering about a few things, which he proceeded to answer.
"If you're wondering about my name, the number indicates which child of the generation I am. You may simply call me Kato. And yes, we Eminians are virtually human in physical appearance, only our internal arrangement is different."
"In any case, it's nice to meet you, Lt. Cmdr...?"
After watching the presentations of both Talon and Lt. Mas'Riat, Kato soon realized that it was his turn, and he tapped his PADD, calling up a display on the screen of his presentation.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I've been on a shuttle from Eminiar 7 for the past few weeks, and due to the nature of our mission, much of my work will be in coordination with tactical. However, I have called up all the available information about planets and lifeforms in the regions of space we'll be flying through."
He quickly flipped through a variety of documents showing the traits of planets and planetoids they would be coming into the vicinity of, as well as lists of M-class planets that they could survive on if the ship went down, etc. Additionally, there were a few slides on diseases, viruses and hostile lifeforms that they might run into while planetside - the kinds of biological threats that were native to or common to the Gamma Quadrant.
"As you can see," he concluded. "I've very little to go on. The Federation doesn't exactly have a wealth of information about Dominion space, for obvious reasons. For a more comprehensive report, I'll have to coordinate with tactical."
He sat down. It wasn't much, but it was the best he could provide. He just hoped it would be good enough, and that he would be good enough for this mission. Starfleet had chosen him, an Eminian, for a dangerous mission requiring great skill. He was humbled, as always.
Posted on 2008-05-20 at 21:09:45.
|
Topic: Star Wars: Patterns of Deception
Subject: Continuing on Ninkanna's and Kavtan's side...
Slade merely nods at Ninkanna's answer.
"Very well. We will conduct an investigation. If we turn up anything by tomorrow, I will inform you before the negotiations begin." He smiles, judging Ninkanna and Kavtan's reaction. "Assuming, of course, that you will be there. I will be; I am second only to Rojan Odo, chief of the Union. In any case, I have other business. Good day to you."
Tamir Slade turns with that comment, his cloak swishing behind him. The remaining Union security men load into the speeder. Slade is last, he climbs in after the last underling does so. Before they speed off down the street on the other side of the alley, Slade shoots one last glance at Kavtan and Ninkanna.
(Finally wrapped up on combat and chases and fires and such.  Now you may proceed in any way you see fit.)
Posted on 2008-05-20 at 02:23:10.
|
Topic: Star Trek: Charon Staff Fulfillment
Subject: Rarg.
...and the Eminians have a history of war...over 500 years of it!
In any case, I will talk to Bromern. Or maybe he'll see my reply on this thread and answer here later...
Posted on 2008-05-19 at 21:42:59.
|
Topic: Star Trek: Charon Staff Fulfillment
Subject: Well then...
I'd love to be Chief Science Officer aboard the Charon.
I'd like to be a humanoid from Eminiar VII, a minor planet featured in the original series.
http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Eminiar_VII
http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Eminian_Union
Since it's unclear whether or not Eminiar VII ever enterred into the Federation, I suggest that my character could have been assigned to the Charon as part of an officer exchange program (which we've seen occur on Star Trek before). In other words, he rose through the ranks as a science officer in the Eminian military and is now serving as Chief Science Officer aboard the Charon as part of this exchange. Is this alright?
Posted on 2008-05-19 at 21:32:27.
|
Topic: Star Trek: Charon Staff Fulfillment
Subject: Any more room?
The subject line says it all.
Any more room?
Posted on 2008-05-19 at 21:14:43.
|
Topic: Star Wars: Patterns of Deception
Subject: Here, and there...
In the alleyway...
Tamir Slade smiles; his gaze seems to stare straight through Kavtan. He bows his head slightly.
"You're right, my Duros friend," he says. "We do have our alliances. But why not? There is no government here, only the law of the two mining organizations. If law enforcement is not handled by us, it will be handled by the Mining Guild. And they too are biased in their concerns. We will conduct our investigation into the motives of these men. Trust me, we will look into their backgrounds and known associates. We respect the Jedi order and the will of the Republic..."
Slade sighs, as if musing on an inconvenient truth. "Despite the fact that we are outside the Republic, they are a business partner, and their laws must be respected."
Meanwhile, the blue and black-clad Union security men are loading the bodies into a Union landspeeder. One of the security men can be overheard saying, "Take them to forensics..." And all the while, the hustle and bustle of Dom-Rhett spaceport is all around them on the neighboring streets.
It suddenly hits Kavtan and Ninkanna - the smell of a back-alleyway in a crowded spaceport. Coupled with the heat from the steam vents and the noise of passing speeders, the two suddenly realize the awful assault on their senses, now that the adrenaline of the battle has passed. Clearly even the Union security men are somewhat uncomfortable. Tamir Slade doesn't seem to mind, however. In fact, he seems to be somewhat aloof, as if his mind is elsewhere.
"In any case," (He addresses the Jedi this time), "There are no courts, no legal system to speak of here. Those men could have either been detained or killed, but their guilt or innocence was never in question - after all, those are legal terms, and in absentia of a penal system, our word is law."
His words are disturbing, but they are the accepted wisdom on Dom-Rhett; this is precisely why so many criminals end up on Dathu.
"Now then," Slade continues. "Before you, young Jedi, I'd like to know exactly why these men were shooting at you."
In the cantina...
Lysander (or 'Rok', if you will) and Si-Di await an answer from the salt-addicted Arcona.
"If you didn’t do anything," She asks in a calm even tone, "then why did you and your companion run when you saw us and even fired your weapon?"
"This one!" The Arcona shouts, nodding his head towards the human next to Si-Di, called 'Rok'. "He attacked my friend, kicking him without provocation. My friend's father was killed by a Jedi...he doesn't trust them. So he panicked. I have no idea why you've attacked me like this..."
The lie isn't even slightly bought by either Si-Di or Lysander - it was barely believable in the first place, but the Arcona twitches and shifts, glancing about. This one seems nervous and untrustworthy, making it unclear as to whether or not any reliable information will come out of him.
((His Bluff check failed spectacularly against Si-Di's Sense Motive check.))
Si-Di continues her line of questioning.
“You see I believe you might have had something to do with the explosion outside and if you did I need to know who ordered you to attack that ship and why? Tell me that and maybe we can talk a deal.”
The Arcona's face suddenly hardens. "I'm not sayin' nothin'..."
"Look, Guild security!" someone in the cantina says.
Sure enough, out the window, one can clearly see Guild security walking onto the landing pad and proceeding towards the charred ship. Decked out in the red and gold color scheme that the Guild is known for, agents of the security team are already approaching the mechanics at Klebb's who had helped fight the fire and can be seen interviewing them. Meanwhile, three Guild security officers walk through the front door of the cantina.
The reaction is immediately different to the one given to Si-Di...the patrons of the bar, and those being given medical aid immediately look towards the door, some even standing. The implications are obvious - the Guild is what is real out here, not the Republic.
Two of the security men, dressed in bright red with gold trimming, a Twi'lek and a Duros, are carrying blaster rifles. However, the person who appears to be their leader is a Trandoshan female.
"Attention, patronsss," she announces, "I am Susska, Chief of Ssecurity for the Dathu Mining Guild. I am here to inquire as to whether or not any of you have any information about the destruction of that transsit ship."
Posted on 2008-05-19 at 21:09:27.
|
Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: How to proceed...
It is a shame that Gruggles can't post, but let's see if we can't carry on in his absence, at least temporarily...
We have two options here - either you can choose to simply respond to the Arcona's bribe, then begin questioning him from there (I wouldn't want to put words in your mouth, but an example might be, "Why is it you want to evade Guild security in the first place?")
Or I can I resolve the issue another way in another post inside the cantina (it won't involve controlling Grugg's character).
Just a couple of suggestions. And as long as Grugg is out, just FYI, I'd like everyone to know that our posting schedule will be, essentially, "at your own leisure". In other words, don't feel obligated to keep up a posting rate. If you feel like posting however, don't let anything stop you!
Posted on 2008-05-19 at 04:18:48.
|
Topic: SW Patterns of Deception Q & A
Subject: Now then...
Good work everyone. I'd like to keep everyone going at about the same pace now that that little scuffle is over. Si-Di and Lysander, the ball is in your court.
Posted on 2008-05-16 at 23:10:46.
|
Topic: Star Wars: Patterns of Deception
Subject: The battle is won.
Kavtan takes another shot at the human to the right, ducking out from behind the wall once more. This time, his aim is true, and he hits the thug with a bolt from his hold-out blaster. It doesn't kill the human, but it does seem to injur him quite a bit; he lets out a howl of pain.
Ninkanna turns, reversing the grip on her lightsaber and slices outward in one swift stroke, striking out at her adversary once more. This time the blow is very nearly lethal. As the lightsaber singes his skin and cuts into him once more, the foolish adversary stumbles and collapses, slumping against the alley wall. He is breathing heavily, severely injured, possibly dying.
The last thug looks nervous; as he struggles to keep his aim trained on Ninkanna, his hands clearly shake. Suddenly, rather than fire, he runs, heading for the opposite end of the alley than Kavtan and Ninkanna came in on. Sprinting at full speed to escape the fire fight, the human drops his blaster.
BOOM!
On the other side of the alley are five humans, all decorated in the deep blue and black of the Interplanetary Miner's Union. On each of their right shoulder's is a patch - a blue circle, outlined in black, with a clenched fist in the center. Kavtan immediately recognizes the men as Union Security Forces. And the man standing in the center of them is wearing a blue cloak with the hood drawn, a Sporting Blaster Rifle in his hands - it's barrel is smoking.
The head of the fleeing human has been blown off by the figure, who hands the rifle to one of the other Union Security men standing with him. He pulls back the hook of his cloak, revealing a man with darkly-tanned skin and dreadlocks. Kavtan recognizes something familiar about this man, remembering only that he is a man in a position of power working for the Miner's Union, probably head of the security team. But the name elludes Kavtan.
Without warning, two of the other Union Security Force members raise their blaster rifles and fire on the two incapacitated thugs, including the Arcona, killing them without provocation.
The cloaked man with dreadlocks then nods to the Security men, who lower their blaster rifles and begin to advance on Kavtan and Ninkanna.
"Check around and secure the area," the man says, audibly. If there's anyone else sneaking around here, I want them brought to me. He approaches the Jedi and technician. "Tamir Slade, second-in-command of the Miner's Union, chief of the Union Security Forces. Someone reported blaster fire and we were in the area. I didn't expect to see a Jedi, however."
He studies the face of the two as his men begin inspecting the bodies of the dead criminals; Slade's face is hard; he seems to be a committed, unforgiving type. "I'm sorry we arrived as late as we did. I'm sorry that you had to see that, but the Union enforces a strict code of security on Dathu. I recognized these men as criminals - at least two of them have been in our holding cells before. And causing such a disturbance...attempting to murder civilians...well, they had to be terminated. The Union doesn't burden itself with the 'rights' of criminals as you do on the Core Worlds."
Slade gestures to his men and they begin carrying the bodies off. "I trust you're the Jedi that was scheduled to mediate the negotiations tomorrow? And who might you be, Duros?"
Posted on 2008-05-16 at 21:46:43.
Edited on 2008-05-16 at 21:48:17 by Cap'n Lou
|
| |
View/Edit Your Profile | Staff List | Contact Us
Use of the RDINN forums or chatrooms constitutes agreement with our Terms of Service.You must enable cookies and javascript to use all features of this site.
|
|
What game do you own the 
Return to Charadun - Q&A
The Morphing Game
Return to Charadun - Recr
